The Football Federation of Australia has announced plans to integrate FIFA international breaks into the Hyundai A-League schedule following negotiations with participating clubs as well as broadcaster Fox Sports.
According to the league’s official website, the 2018-19 schedule will start on October 19 to accommodate international fixtures earlier in the month.
The league will also go on break for the November 12-20 and March 18-26 international periods, with the 2019 Grand Final scheduled for the weekend of May 18 and 19 as a result.
“With our broadcasters and commercial partners we have been conscious always of the need to balance the benefits of week to week continuity in the league against the benefits of stopping for international breaks,” FFA chairman David Gallop said in a statement announcing the decision.
“The later finish to the season also means that more of the Hyundai A-League will overlap with the community football season, helping us to connect the league to our massive participation base.”
The announcement did reveal, however, that the A-League will play through the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, which will take place from January 5 through February 1 in the UAE.
